Picking the right boys' swim board shorts matters more than it sounds—fit, sun protection, drying speed, and durability all affect comfort, safety and how long a pair lasts through summers of rough play. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, a review of expert commentary, and aggregated consumer feedback to surface dependable, practical picks for families.
How we tested and what we prioritized
We evaluated candidates using a combination of hands-on wear tests, expert material analysis, and synthesis of customer reviews across size, durability and real-world performance. Key factors included:
- Fit & Comfort: Waist adjustability (drawstring/elastic), liner vs. mesh, and freedom of movement.
- Drying & Fabric: Quick-dry performance, weight, stretch and chlorine/salt resistance.
- Sun Protection: UPF rating or fabric density for UV blocking.
- Durability & Construction: Stitching, reinforced seams, pocket closures and waistband resilience.
- Practical Features: Pockets (zip or drain), back pocket, compression liner, and careability.
- Value & Price: Performance delivered for the price point.
We prioritized real-world usage (pool, beach, playground) and weighted features differently depending on likely user (toddler vs. older kid). Consumer feedback helped flag common fit issues and longevity concerns that short lab tests can miss.
Budget Toddler Swim Trunks
Lightweight, inexpensive swim shorts built for younger kids. Quick-dry polyester with fun prints, elastic waist and pockets make them a practical everyday option for toddlers who outgrow gear fast. Great for families on a tight budget.
These toddler trunks deliver the essentials without the premium price. The fabric is a polyester/spandex blend that dries quickly and stretches enough for active toddlers. Expect a soft mesh lining, pockets and an elastic waist—features that make dressing and rinsing easy. Pros: very affordable, colorful prints, easy to care for. Cons: trim durability compared with higher-end weaves; sizing can run small—buy one size up if between sizes.
Columbia Toddler Boardshorts
Premium-feel boardshorts with patented sun and moisture tech. Omni-Shade and Omni-Wick combine fast drying with effective UV protection—ideal for parents who want both sun safety and comfort in a trusted outdoor brand.
Columbia's toddler boardshorts lean into technical performance. The fabric features Omni-Shade for reliable UV blocking and Omni-Wick for accelerated drying—useful for long beach days or back-to-back swim lessons. The fit includes a comfortable stretch weave and an adjustable elastic waist for toddlers. Pros: industry-grade sun protection, excellent moisture management, comfort stretch. Cons: a bit pricier than generic shorts, fewer novelty prints if your child prefers character designs.
Secure Zip Swim Trunks
A versatile all-rounder with UPF 50+, fast-dry fabric and a zippered pocket. Ideal for active kids who need secure storage and a relaxed fit that handles surf, pool and playground play without fuss.
This trunk balances practical touches with performance. The fabric is quick-drying and rated UPF 50+, and the zippered pocket is a standout for keeping small items safe. The drawstring-adjustable waist and relaxed cut allow for easy movement and longer wear. Pros: good build quality, functional zipped pocket, comfortable fit. Cons: price slightly above basic budget options but justified by features.
Volcom Boys Board Shorts
Durable, quick-dry boardshorts with UPF 50+ and a flexible fit designed for active kids. A great middle-ground pick that combines lifestyle style with performance features parents can trust.
Volcom’s boardshorts are our Editors' Choice because they strike a sweet spot between durability, comfort and protective performance. The lightweight performance fabric resists salt and chlorine, dries quickly and includes UPF 50+ protection. Construction is robust—secure waistband and reinforced stitching—so these stand up well to repeated summer abuse. Pros: excellent balance of features, trusted surf brand styling, good price-to-performance. Cons: not as many size-specific liner options for very small toddlers.
Quick comparison — key differences at a glance
- Editors' Choice (Volcom): Best overall for families wanting a durable, quick-dry short with UPF protection and a flexible fit at a reasonable price.
- Premium Choice (Columbia): Best for sun-conscious parents; industry-grade Omni-Shade / Omni-Wick tech and comfortable stretch for toddlers.
- Best Value (Body Glove): Strong all-around performer with UPF 50+, zippered pocket and reliable fit—good for older kids who carry small items.
- Best Budget (Budget Toddler): Extremely affordable and functional for toddlers who quickly outgrow swimwear; ideal as a backup pair.
Which is best overall: Volcom earns the top spot for balancing protection, durability and style across age groups. Alternatives that excel in specific areas: choose Columbia for maximum sun tech, Body Glove for secure pockets and adjustability, and the budget pick for short-term or heavy-rotation use.
Final recommendation
After hands-on testing, feature analysis, and reviewing user feedback, our top recommendation for most families is the Volcom Boys Board Shorts—they provide dependable protection (UPF 50+), quick-dry performance and durable construction at a sensible price. If sun protection is your highest priority for younger children, pick the Columbia boardshorts for their Omni-Shade and Omni-Wick technologies. If you want the best mix of practical features (zipper pocket, adjustable fit) for older kids, the Body Glove trunks offer excellent value. And for tight budgets or rapidly growing toddlers, the budget toddler trunks are a sensible, inexpensive choice to keep on hand.
These recommendations reflect detailed testing and aggregated consumer insights to help you choose boardshorts that suit your child’s age, activity level and your priorities—whether that's sun protection, secure pockets, or simply the best value for summer play.